Play by BU Professor shares experiences of Syrian families in Canada

Actors perform To Stand Again, a play written by BU Professor James Forsythe, at a shared reading at Teesri Duniya Theatre in Montreal. (Photo by David Goyne/Teesri Duniya Theatre )

BRANDON – A play written by Brandon University (BU) Professor James Forsythe was publicly performed for the first time recently in Montreal.

To Stand Again tells the story of Syrian families in Canada in their own words. Forsythe interviewed newly arrived families in Brandon and Montreal over the summer and fall of 2017. Forsythe transcribed the interviews and used them as the basis for the play.

“Although I edited the interviews and turned them into a coherent script, all the words in the play came directly from the people who I interviewed,” said Forsythe, who is the Co-ordinator of BU’s Drama program.

“To Stand Again reflects an authentic portrayal of what it has been like for many Syrians to settle in Canada, and how their lives are shaped by tragedy, love and resilience.”

Teesri Duniya Theatre in Montreal held a workshop last week where director Liz Valdez and four professional actors rehearsed the play and provided feedback. Based on their advice, Forsythe re-edited the play a number of times until it was ready for a public performance on Saturday, April 28, followed by a talk back.

An actor performs during a shared reading of To Stand Again at Teesri Duniya Theatre in Montreal. (Photo by David Goyne/Teesri Duniya Theatre )

The audience included Syrians who had been interviewed by Forsythe.

“The play was very well received, and by the evidence of the tears in the audience it was quite moving,” said Forsythe.

Valdez and Forsythe will continue working on the play with the goal of bringing it to full production.

Founded in 1981, Teesri Duniya Theatre is dedicated to producing socially and politically relevant plays based on cultural experiences of communities living in Canada. Reflecting the multicultural-multiracial and aboriginal reality of Canada, their work aims to bring critical thinking on important issues, connect communities and generate intellectual dialogue. Teesri Duniya Theatre tells people’s stories that are aesthetically outstanding and socially engaging. The company is committed to multi-ethnic casting and compelling stories.Facebook.com/TeesriDuniyaTheatre

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